Babies on boats - possible heated debate

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but just like doctors have started recommending that babies be rear facing for 2 yrs based on research, I feel that kids under the age of 18 months should not be allowed on a boat. Too many accidents can happen. Maybe it is because I have been in several minor boat accidents that caused bumps or whiplash for adults but would have killed babies. I don't care if there are Coast Guard recommended life vests for under 20lbs, that is to help them float in water. It does not protect against the impact of hitting the water in a boat accident. If you boat is slowly sinking then sure a 1 yr old in an approved life vest may be ok. If the waves are not so rough as they knock you around and the baby inhales water. As you can tell I am very passionate about this especially when I see friends post pictures of their 6 mo olds on boats!! So if you are going to do this just be prepared for all risks and factors.

I have been on boats since I can remember. Not once have I ever had an accident expect for when we were on a pontoon boat and it started to sink because there was too much weight on one end. That was solved immediately. If you are half way intelligent, you can very safely be on a boat. I guess everyone has their thing that they worry about but as a boat owner this seems dumb to me.

It scares the hell out of me to see small children in general on a boat. SO and I got out with best friend in the summer and I see so many small children and infants out there. I won't take my kids out until they were much older.

Lucifer have you ever been on a boat? I don't know about your lakes, but the ones we go to aren't flooded with people. If you're an intelligent person and observant like a responsible boat owner I would say it is highly unlikely for someone to be hit by a drunk boat driver. It is also very hard to hit another boat if you are a drunk boat driver. If you're concerned about a certain boats behavior call the lake security patrol. They will take care of it.

I refused to take DD on a boat when she was first born-actually, it was 4th of July so she was 4 mo. Pissed my mil off cause she wanted to take her in the ski boat on the lake. My mothery instinct was screaming no. She argued and said 'so and so takes their kid out' but I just simply said no. My daughter, my decision. I don't judge people that do but I'd just rather not.